November 2011

November 18, 2011

Here's video via CSN Washington of Ryan Zimmerman emerging from a workout at Nationals Park Friday morning long enough to give Wilson Ramos a hug and say "Good to have you back" while looking at the cameras; and then Zim gets the hell out of there.

Gah. Here's hoping Rizzo's rotation upgrade is Buehrle. And failing that, Oswalt. Just please don't make it a batshit crazy deal for Wilson. Need to save some of those Lerner dollars for Ryan Zimmerman...

"Roy O would be awesome to have as a veteran anchor in our pitching staff. He works fast, throws strikes and takes the ball every fifth day. [He] keeps a low profile in the clubhouse and has a businessman's attitude. He has lots of experience, including postseason, and that's important, especially since we plan on playing in October [next] year."(Jayson Werth, via MLB.com, 11/14/2011)

Good thing, too, because technically the Nats end the 2012 regular season October 3rd at home against the Phillies. Not that anything less than a playoff berth will be acceptable...

November 14, 2011

Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder (R) along with the rest of the team celebrate in the locker room after the Brewers beat the Florida Marlins 4-1 clinching the National League Central Division Championships in Milwaukee September 23, 2011. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

So now that that little international incident is over and done with, guess it's safe to turn our attention back to the Hot Stove and guessing Mike Rizzo's next big offseason splash? Any takers on Mike Rizzo making a really, really BIG splash, in the form of (~300? lb.?) Prince Fielder?

Fittingly, Rizzo will be in Milwaukee this week for MLB's GM meetings -- where he'll no doubt continue laying the groundwork for his next move(s). And here's a look at what the Nats 2012 Opening Day lineup *could* look like on April 5 -- with two major additions (screen cap via MLB Network, Nov. 4):

I mean: wow. What's not to love about that lineup (besides the guy leading off)? But it probably doesn't matter anyway. ESPN's Jayson Stark threw a bucket of cold water on the Prince-to-Nationals talk on Friday:

Despite all the predictions we've heard that Fielder could eventually wind up in Washington, teams that have spoken with the Nationals report they seem much more focused on finding A) a veteran starting pitcher and B) a center fielder who could lead off. Their center-field expedition could take them in all kinds of directions. But on the pitching front, one exec who spoke with them says he believes that in a perfect world, they'd prefer Mark Buehrle over either C.J. Wilson or Roy Oswalt, the two starters they've been most linked to on the rumor mill. They're not expected to make a big push on Yu Darvish. (Jayson Stark, via ESPN.com, 11/11/2011)

Plenty of photos of Wilson's homecoming can be seen here. Viva Wilson Ramos!

Here's another statement from Mike Rizzo, issued by the Nationals:

“I am happy to announce that I have spoken directly with Wilson and he assures me he is unharmed but eager to be reunited with his family. He asked me to thank all who played a role in his rescue, and all those who kept him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. I join Wilson in thanking the many law enforcement officials in Venezuela and investigators with Major League Baseball who worked tirelessly to ensure a positive ending to what has been a frightening ordeal. The only detail that concerns us tonight is that Wilson is safe. The entire Washington Nationals family is thankful that Wilson Ramos is coming home.”

Viva Smurfette! Here's the official statement from Mike Rizzo, issued by the Nationals:

“The news from Venezuela tonight is reassuring. Though details are limited and we have not yet talked directly with Wilson, we are thrilled with reports that he has been rescued and is being safely returned to his family. We greatly appreciate all the prayers and thoughts of all who have joined us in wishing for this conclusion to what has been a nightmarish 48 hours. We are eager to see Wilson and let him know just how many all over the world have been waiting for this news.”

Kudos to Nats fans who congregated tonight outside Nationals Park for a candlelight vigil for Wilson Ramos (screen grab above via NBC4). And good on the Washington Nationals for providing warmth in the form of coffee and hot chocolate.

Unfortunately, Nats Enquirer staff couldn't be there: but use hashtag #VigilforRamos on Twitter to get to images from this evening's event from Nats fans who were there. One of our faves is the below shot (photo courtesy of Charles Evans) --Nats fans lighting a "3" in votives: